But as he stood on stage Saturday night while being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Smith's only tearful thank you to a former teammate was to an unsung member of the franchise's three Super Bowl title teams of the 1990s.

With his voice choked with emotion, the NFL's all-time leading rusher paid homage to his fullback, Daryl "Moose" Johnston.

"Daryl, you mean the world to me … because you sacrificed so much for me," Smith said after locating Johnston in the crowd of 19,300 at Fawcett Stadium and asking him to stand.

"People don't understand what it took to be a fullback in our system, the sacrifices you made not simply with your body but your whole spirit," Smith said. "You took care of me as though you were taking care of your little brother. Without you, I know today would not have been possible.

A pro's pro

In addition to gaining the most yards in league history (18,355), the 5-9½ Smith holds career marks for carries (4,409) and rushing touchdowns (164). In 15 seasons, including 13 with the Cowboys, he won three Super Bowls and four rushing titles.

"He was a pro football player's football player," Jones said. "He always showed up, and he gave you everything he had."

With Cowboys fans seemingly outnumbering the supporters of teams associated with the other inductees, Smith received the loudest cheers.

Shortly after he was introduced with the other inductees at the start of the program, a chant of "Emmitt, Emmitt" arose from the crowd, prompting Smith to smile.

As some current Cowboys looked on, Smith embraced Jones before addressing the crowd, which delivered a standing ovation.

Full of praise

Then Smith turned the spotlight on his family, friends and former coaches and teammates in an emotion-filled speech.

He thanked his high school coaches, the fans, former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson and former offensive coordinator Norv Turner. He singled out many of his offensive linemen by name. He praised his parents and tearfully thanked his wife and four children.

And, of course, he praised Aikman and Irvin, asking them to stand from their seats on the stage with the other 78 Hall of Famers present.

"It has truly been an honor to go into battle with two of the greatest champions I ever played with," Smith said. "Without you, there is no me. That is why we are called 'The Triplets.' You cannot have one without the other."